Guitar Lessons in Mount Vernon, VA

Instruments: Guitar

I am an acoustic percussive guitarist currently working in the greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. I have been teaching guitar almost as long as I've been playing guitar, starting with just friends and family but eventually moving on to support myself as a private instructor. I have apprenticed with UDC Jazz Band Guitarist Pete Muldoon and Matt Kelley (of the blues band "Big Boy Little"). I supported myself in highschool by working in DC's local guitarshop, which is where I started teaching my first students.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have taught many students of various musical styles for the past 20 years. From some that just want to play the guitar in their living room or treat it as a hobby, to students that want to pursue a career in music. Every student is unique , so i utilize various methods and different approaches to suit each individual's needs and capabilities. In my many years of teaching, what I have realized is that proper technique should be emphasized as early as possible so that the student will not carry bad traits both in practice and in performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As I've stated before, I really like to focus on how to play the instrument effectively. Proper posture, finger placement, finger pressure and articulation are all part of playing the proper technique. It also helps to minimize fatigue during countless hours of practice. Also, one of the main things in to make sure that the student is practicing on a daily basis and to develop their own practice regimen. Developing a love for the instrument, bordering on healthy obsession, is the key to progressing as a guitar player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael has over 8 years of experience teaching students from age 6 through adult, from directing large ensembles (70+) to private lessons. He specializes in teaching singing, but also has taught beginning guitar and piano lessons, composition, music theory and history, and digital recording. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I am all about developing a passion for music and setting realistic musical goals for each lesson. I try to gently push my students in the right direction by finding out what kind of music really inspires them so I can tailor my instruction to their desires. However, if you're my student, I have high hopes and expectations for you! I know that with consistent practice, patience, and a gentle push in the right direction, we work together to learn any piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that the goal of music lessons is to discover what each student wants to achieve. Therefore, I seek to use different methods, lessons, and exercises that will work toward what each individual wishes to accomplish for themselves. If we can work together on a particular piece of music or a song that a student wants to learn, then there is a goal to accomplish and it is fun to reach that goal! Read More